Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Benue South in the 2023 election, has issued a caution against playing politics with the lives of the people of Benue. Onjeh expressed concern that recent statements from the Benue State National Assembly Caucus seemed to be part of a coordinated effort to undermine Governor Hyacinth Alia in the public eye.
Onjeh urged the lawmakers to focus on their roles as federal legislators, emphasizing that politicizing matters of human life is inappropriate. He drew attention to the previous administration of Mr. Samuel Ortom, highlighting reports of deadly attacks by herdsmen on villages during that time. Onjeh pointed out that Senator Abba Moro did not speak out against the killings then, suggesting a selective stance based on party affiliation.
He questioned the sudden vocal criticism from the Benue National Assembly Caucus under the APC administration of Governor Alia. Onjeh stressed that if the lawmakers had information about the true cause of the worsening insecurity in the state, they should share it with the public.
On the issue of local government caretaker committees, Onjeh argued that it was a settled matter not unique to Benue State. He noted that the formation of such committees was a trend observed in many states across Nigeria, each facing its own security challenges. Onjeh criticized the Benue National Assembly Caucus for making what he termed as baseless statements to justify attacks on constituents by herders.
The lawmakers from Benue State in the National Assembly had previously urged the federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of Benue residents. They specifically criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for what they described as inaction regarding ongoing killings and displacements in various local government areas.
